Ian Hobson1

Q: USB-C charger plug and USB-C adapter will not insert fully

We can no longer fully insert the USB-C charger plug OR the USB-C adapter (USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI).  They stop short about 1-1.5mm.  Power is still delivered, but a tiny movement can result in power being disconnected even though the plus is still mostly in.  Data connections can be similarly lost with potentially catastrophic effect.

 

Is this a warranty issue?  It is rather worrying if USB-C plugs/receptacles can fail so relatively quickly especially in this case as it's an all-Apple line up of adapters and computer. 

MacBook, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Jan 7, 2016 3:38 AM

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Q: USB-C charger plug and USB-C adapter will not insert fully

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  • by Storm89161,Helpful

    Storm89161 Storm89161 Feb 4, 2016 6:06 AM in response to Ian Hobson1
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Feb 4, 2016 6:06 AM in response to Ian Hobson1

    Yea, the usb ports a and c have a very known issue that no one really writes.

     

    If wiggled from time to time, the connections on the inside stop functioning. Also, I have tested the adapter you are speaking of and it does over heat every once and a while. Sometimes if you just give it an hour or two break then it goes back to normal. Its weird indeed.

     

    Also, I recommend updating to 10.11.3. There have been many bug fixes.

  • by Ian Hobson1,

    Ian Hobson1 Ian Hobson1 Feb 4, 2016 6:10 AM in response to Storm89161
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Feb 4, 2016 6:10 AM in response to Storm89161

    Thanks for this Storm89161.  The problem went away then came back with a vengeance at the weekend.  Turns out (after genius bar appointments) that a small amount of debris got into the port and blocked the insertion of any plug.

    It's scary when it's the only port - no power to reliably move data over wifi, and no usb for backup!  The plug wouldn't fit in for the last 1-1.5mm (that's about 1/16th inch for the Americans reading).

    It seems a weakness with type-C cable that this can happen, but just a warning to all to keep your plugs and desk clean!

    If you do have the problem, I'm not sure what I can advise in terms of tools to clean (blower? small vac? paintbrush?).

  • by Storm89161,

    Storm89161 Storm89161 Feb 4, 2016 7:50 PM in response to Ian Hobson1
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Feb 4, 2016 7:50 PM in response to Ian Hobson1

    *takes a deep breath and closes eyes*
    *blows as hard as possible*

    I'm not kidding when I say this but that's actually what I do when I get too much dust on my server and I'm changing something just in case. Works every time.